The Lotus Evora, inheriting the pioneering bonded aluminum technology first seen in the Elise, was meticulously engineered from the ground up to embody the essence of a true supercar. By seamlessly blending track-honed performance with exceptional in-cabin comfort and a visually arresting design both inside and out, the Evora redefined the capabilities of a sports car across diverse road conditions. Finally, exhilarating driving dynamics could be experienced without sacrificing everyday usability.
Design and Performance Innovation
Under the design leadership of Russell Carr, the Evora marked a new era for Lotus styling, presenting a more streamlined and sophisticated aesthetic while remaining instantly recognizable as a Lotus. The innovative wraparound windscreen and side window configuration created a distinctive ‘visor’ effect, visually shortening the cabin and cleverly disguising its genuine 2+2 seating arrangement – a testament to masterful packaging.
The Evora’s unique chassis architecture combined a remarkably lightweight extruded aluminum chassis tub with a steel rear subframe, specifically designed to house the engine and gearbox. This ingenious construction utilized proprietary 6000 Series alloy extrusions, bonded with a high-strength epoxy adhesive, resulting in exceptional torsional rigidity of 27,000 Nm per degree. The double-wishbone suspension, crafted from forged aluminum and featuring high-performance dampers with coaxial coil-springs, further contributed to the Evora’s legendary lively and responsive handling, and superb agility. The naturally aspirated Evora boasted a top speed of 262kph (163mph) and a 0-100kph (0-62mph) acceleration time of just 4.8 seconds.
Supercharging the Thrill
In 2010, Lotus amplified the Evora experience with the introduction of supercharged variants for both road and track enthusiasts. The Evora S distinguished itself with a refined suspension system, larger, more powerful brakes, and a unique rear spoiler enhancing downforce. Its enhanced 3.5-liter V6 engine pushed performance boundaries further, achieving a top speed of 286kph (178mph) and a blistering 0-100kph time of 4.4 seconds. For track-focused performance, the Evora spawned a lineage of Type 124 models, including the GT4, Cup, GTS, GTE (Enduro), and GTC versions. Power output in these race-bred models peaked at an impressive 470bhp in the 2011 GTE model, which competed in the Global Motorsports GTE sportscar category and secured a podium finish at the prestigious 2011 Le Mans 24-hour race, showcasing Lotus’s racing pedigree.
The Evora 400: A New Benchmark
The year 2015 marked another significant leap forward with the arrival of the Evora 400. This iteration brought a comprehensive suite of enhancements, most notably a new supercharger and charge-cooled system integrated with the mid-mounted 3.5-liter V6 engine. Power output surged from 345 bhp to an exhilarating 400 bhp at 7,000rpm, accompanied by a torque increase to 410 Nm, available across a broad rev range from 3,500 to 6,500 rpm.
Shaving off 42 kg compared to its predecessor, the Evora 400 incorporated a redesigned lightweight aluminum chassis and significantly revised lightweight composite body panels at the front and rear. Beyond performance gains, the Evora 400 prioritized everyday usability with ergonomically improved cabin access and egress, making it a more practical and enjoyable sports car experience.
